The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has detained 15 drivers in Ablekuma, Accra, for allegedly doubling fares, sparking outrage among commuters. The union’s task force swooped on the drivers, citing them for charging multiple fares and operating “short short” trips, where passengers are moved between points without completing the full route.
According to the GPRTU National Guard Commander, Derumond Ekow Gaise, the operation is part of a wider effort to tackle driver indiscipline in the city and enforce approved fare structures. “This is part of the tougher steps we are taking to curb illegal operations by drivers,” Gaise said.
The detained drivers, however, claim they were unfairly targeted, with one driver insisting he had only charged the normal fare. “They arrested me because I am charging unapproved fees. That is not true. I haven’t charged anyone double fare,” he said.
The GPRTU has warned that similar operations will continue across the city to ensure drivers adhere to regulations, protect commuter interests, and reduce disputes on public transport routes in Accra. Gaise appealed to the police to take the arrested drivers to court so that offenders can face legal consequences and set an example.
The crackdown comes amid growing public complaints about rising transport fares during rush hours, as commuters contend with heavy traffic and limited availability of commercial vehicles in the capital. The GPRTU has been working to address these concerns, including introducing a new vehicle branding system to identify legitimate GPRTU vehicles
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Author: Korkor Anumu
